Undergraduate
BA and Diploma
in English
Key points
Is this
programme for me?
BA
An
opportunity to study and enjoy some of the great literatures
of the world, immersing yourself in a range of works written
in different styles and periods from the Middle Ages to the
present day. Optional units allow you to specialise in areas
such as the novel, modern drama, Shakespeare, modern American
literature or postcolonial literature.
Diploma
This
comprises the first four units only of the English degree. It
is an ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full
degree programme or don't satisfy the entrance requirements
for the degree. Once you pass the Diploma you will be invited
to transfer your registration to the BA.
Note: These courses are
specifically concerned with the study of English Literature
and it is assumed that prospective students will already be
fluent in spoken and written English. The degree and diploma
contain no element of language proficiency training.
Course aims
The course
has two main aims. The first is to challenge and inspire you
to read widely across the full range of literatures in
English, as well as to engage closely with selected works.
Secondly, it will help you to develop the necessary critical
and linguistic skills to read, discuss and write about
literary and non-literary texts effectively and with
confidence.
Be guided by
the experts
The course
has been developed by Goldsmiths, one of the highest ranking
English departments in the UK. It has a thriving research
environment embracing traditional and new approaches to
English studies.
Develop
transferable skills
Although
relatively few careers demand a BA in English, the skills
learnt in presenting ideas clearly and logically, critical
thinking and ability to analyse complex information are
applicable for many careers including publishing, teaching
and research, journalism, media and advertising.
Flexible
study at a reasonable cost
You have 3-8
years to complete the BA degree, and 1-5 years to complete the
Diploma. For the BA, the total fee is just over £2,500 (£2,710
from 1September 2008) if you
complete in the minimum study period (the Diploma costs around £1,000). Suitably qualified candidates may apply for
exemption from any of the Foundation units of the BA English.
Additional optional costs include:
-
A
residential school - £170 for four days, or £60 per day for
students wishing to attend one or two days.
-
E-seminars
– offered weekly from Jan to April at £14 per seminar.
-
Essay
marking - £18 per essay.
Study
materials
The study
materials includes:
Note: You need
to provide your own textbooks - they provide the main focus of
your studies - so before you register for the programme the
University will advise you to consider the facilities
available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely
to be.
Study support and online resources
You can
either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol
for additional classes at a local institution (either full or
part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this
provides.
Other
support includes:
-
Academic
advice is offered from the Programme Director, although they
cannot engage in tuition or regular contact.
-
Goldsmiths
offer an essay marking scheme, providing marks and feedback.
They also run a Summer School at the College, designed to
introduce you to the units and provide advice on structuring
your study time. It also focuses on revision methods and
exam techniques, and offers you the chance to meet with
other students from around the world.
-
Goldsmiths
provide a programme of 'e-seminars' on a weekly basis
between January and April. These are led by academic tutors
and offer you the chance to discuss and debate ideas as you
prepare for exams.
Summary of
key dates
|
Application deadline |
17 September (non-EU)
17 October (EU)
in the year before you
intend to sit your first examinations
|
|
Registration deadline |
30 November |
|
Despatch of study materials |
Shortly after your
registration form is received |
|
Start
studying |
As soon as you receive
your study materials |
|
Examinations take place |
May |
